Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Writers Challenge—Assemble Your Dream Team!


Who would you put on your writing dream team?
I admit it, I’m hooked on the TV show, Castle. The main character, Richard Castle is a larger than life writer. He’s the talented, rich alter ego most of us dream of being. He lives in New York City and meets with several other famous writers for a weekly poker game.

It’s that fictional weekly poker game that got me thinking. I couldn’t resist, I began to compile my own list of famous writers. These are the secret crushes I’ve harbored for years—those I’d love to hang out with on a regular basis. In my mind, every time I write a story I secretly wonder how it would stand up during a discussion with my dream team.

Have I piqued your curiosity? No worries, I’ll share all.


Anne McCaffrey
For brainstorming, I’d have to choose Anne McCaffrey. In a lot of ways she’s this century’s Grande Dame of science fiction. I’d love to pick her brain on world building and reminisce about the characters she created. And even more, I’d spend time brainstorming my own worlds with her. I get goose bumps just thinking about the possibilities.

Isaac Asimov
For sheer writing craft, I’d have to go to Isaac Asimov. He’s another science fiction icon, known as one of the most prolific writers of our time. His quote when asked what he’d do if he found he only had six months to live is posted above my desk. “I’d write faster.”




Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
For overwhelming intellect, I’d go to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Although the others on my list all have the well-deserved reputations as genius’s in their own right, I can't get past his ability to create an enduring character like Sherlock Holmes. It just blows my mind. His ability to surprise and amaze still inspires me, no matter how often I read his stories.


Barbara Mertz, writing as Elizabeth Peter/Barbara Michaels
For the joy of creating I’d choose Barbara Mertz, aka Elizabeth Peters/Barbara Michaels. Not only have her books been bestsellers for years, she’s been TWO bestselling authors in one. I’m convinced no one can write characters like her and not be an inspiration in person.



J. R. Tolkien
C. S. Lewis
Finally, for encouragement and camaraderie I'd choose two of my all-time favorite writers, J. R. Tolkien & C. S. Lewis. Most know about their legendary meetings in the pub, where they poked and prodded one another into writing history. 



Okay, I’ve bared my soul and confessed my writer-crushes, now it’s your turn. Who would you pick to be on your writing dream team? Remember, any and everyone is fair game. 

Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie

11 comments:

  1. This is an awesome article!!! LOVE IT!

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    1. Thank you! I had trouble keeping my list manageable. Blessings, E

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  2. Edie, I've never thought of this before. But if I had to choose, the people would be: Karen Kingsbury, Debbie Macomber, Janette Oke, Jan Karon, Beth Moore, and my all-time favorite encouragers-Edie Melson and Vonda Skelton!

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    1. All great choices...until you get to the last two. I've heard they're a handful in a writing group! Blessings, E

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  3. You've certainly given me something to think about. I think I would start with Rosamunde Pilcher, who is amazing at sweeping her readers into another world, and Ann Talbot, who is able to create characters who have depth and stay with you long after the book is finished.

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    1. Sherry, I LOVE Rosamunde Pilcher! I have all her books. She's a great choice. Thanks for stopping by! Blessings, E

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  4. Great list! Not even going there with who I'd pick--there are too many good writers out there. lol

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    1. It is hard to narrow down the list! Thanks for stopping by, Blessings, E

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  5. Edie, what a fun exercise! Heading my list are the other four Friends of the Pen, my writers group (without whom I wouldn't have near as much fun). Beyond that, I don't know yet. But I'm gonna have a blast figuring it out. And I'm going to assume these folks would likewise want to hang out with me. Ha! :)

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    1. Absolutely, they want to hang out with us. Drop back by when you have your list. I'd love to see it! Blessings, E

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  6. Wow, I have to admit I did not grow up as a reader. My parents didn't read...couldn't read and I had lots of sports, cows, horses and other things to keep me busy. So I got a late start on my love for books and missed all the great literary icons of yesteryear. But of today's authors, I'd love to be a fly on the wall when Brandilyn Collins concocts her diabolical suspense novels and Susan May Warren as she...umm... writes a novel in 10 days! :-)

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